Russia declares “war” on migrants, the “hunt” for Azerbaijanis continues, and Israel may turn Syria into a battleground again, Ash-Shara's life reportedly in danger – Midweek

Russia is intensifying its crackdown on migrants. Under current developments, even the minimal breathing space available for labor migrants on Russian territory may soon disappear.

The pursuit of Azerbaijani citizens in Russia continues. The two countries are now canceling each other's cultural events in succession and remain unable to reach a diplomatic agreement.

While President Erdoğan is engaged in commemorating the events of July 15, an aggressive campaign against Syrian authorities is reportedly underway from the Israeli side. Reports also suggest that the life of Ahmed Ash-Shara may be at risk.

Details of the key global developments up to midweek are covered in QALAMPIR.UZ’s Midweek program.

Do not go to Russia – Part 2

Despite facing a declining population, years of negative natural growth, and an economy that depends on foreign labor, Russia is currently developing anti-migrant legislation and proposing further restrictions. Last week, a bill that expands the grounds for revoking migrants' citizenship passed its first reading in the State Duma. Lawmakers stated that the bill is expected to be fully adopted by the end of July. This week, discussions began on imposing several new restrictions on migrants.

It has been revealed that the State Duma will consider introducing new state fees for migrants. According to Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, the proposals include charging 4,200 rubles for issuing or renewing a work patent for foreign citizens or stateless individuals, another 4,200 rubles for extending work permits, and 2,100 rubles for making changes to or obtaining copies of these documents. Volodin noted that most foreign nationals come to Russia to earn money. Those from visa-free countries typically acquire a work patent at a cost of 8,000 to 10,000 rubles per month, valid for up to one year and subject to renewal.

In addition to these, the government also plans to introduce or increase other state fees. These include charges for registering migrants at their place of residence, extending temporary residence permits, and registering vehicles. Volodin argued that these measures would boost state revenue, tighten control over migrants, and reduce illegal migration. However, he seemed unaware that such restrictive policies could push Central Asian migrants—currently the backbone of Russia’s labor force—toward Eastern European countries instead.

This is not the end of the tightening measures. Three more harsh proposals were introduced this week. Yaroslav Nilov, chairman of the State Duma Labor Committee, announced that a bill is being drafted to implement stricter medical requirements for foreigners seeking employment in Russia. Under this proposal, in addition to standard medical insurance, migrants would be required to provide test results proving they are free of narcotic or psychotropic substances, along with updated certificates confirming they do not have HIV (AIDS), hepatitis B or C, or tuberculosis. Nilov stated that if any required documentation is missing, the individual would be denied entry or sent back. While medical screening is reasonable, the timing and necessity of codifying these requirements into law remain unclear.

Moreover, Russian authorities are now targeting migrants' monthly incomes. According to RIA Novosti, a proposal has been submitted to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to impose a 5.1% tax on the salaries of labor migrants. The proposal came from the Institute for Socio-Economic Analysis and Development Programs. Ostensibly, the collected funds would be used to develop educational programs for migrants. However, skepticism remains over whether the money will actually be used for such peaceful and constructive purposes, rather than military activities such as funding drone warfare in Ukraine.

In addition to the proposed tax increases and fees, lawmakers are also seeking to regulate remittances. Members of the “New People” party have submitted a proposal to the Central Bank that would limit the amount of money migrants can send abroad. Under the proposed law, if a migrant wishes to transfer more than their declared income, they would be required to submit a financial declaration verifying their earnings. Currently, Russian law imposes no such restrictions or monitoring on remittances. Supporters of the proposal claim that this legislative gap allows for the laundering of illegal income, tax evasion, and the unregulated transfer of funds abroad.

Baku-Moscow tensions continue

The Globus Theater in Novosibirsk, Russia, recently canceled two scheduled performances by the Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theater. However, according to "Minval", the decision did not come from the Russian side but from representatives of the Azerbaijani cultural institution itself. The Samad Vurgun Azerbaijan State Russian Drama Theater reportedly decided to halt its tour in Russia. As of now, it is unclear whether the decision originated in Baku or Moscow, as neither side has disclosed the official reason for the cancellation.

A similar situation unfolded around the upcoming Dream Fest, scheduled to be held in Baku from July 23 to 26. Earlier, the organizers removed all Russian artists from the festival lineup, including Yegor Creed, Stas Piekha, Klava Koka, and the group "Ruki Vverkh!" According to media reports, this decision was made at the direction of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture. In response, a large number of Russian tourists canceled their plans to attend Dream Fest 2025. The festival’s original hosts, Milosh Bikovich and Regina Todorenko, were replaced by local celebrities—producer Husniya Magerramova and TV presenter Murad Dadashov.

These developments reflect just the cultural dimension of the broader conflict. Legal tensions continue as well. The Verkh-Isetsky District Court in Yekaterinburg has extended the detention of eight Azerbaijani nationals arrested last month until October 19. The court hearings were closed to the media but attended by representatives of Azerbaijan’s Consulate General in Yekaterinburg. The court ruled to prolong the pretrial detention of Kamol, Akif, Ayaz, Mazahir, and Bakir Safarov, along with Ahliman Ganjiyev, Shahin Lalayev, and Aziz Abbasov. They are accused of committing murder as part of an organized group under Part 2, Clause "g" of Article 105 of the Russian Criminal Code.

Meanwhile, Russian law enforcement continues to target Azerbaijani individuals. On July 15, Mutvala Shikhlinsky, son of Shahin Shikhlinsky—the head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg—was reportedly detained again. Citing security sources, local media reported that Shikhlinsky Jr. was taken to the Investigative Committee for questioning and later transferred to a temporary detention center. His arrest is linked to an incident that occurred on July 1, when special forces detained Shahin Shikhlinsky in broad daylight near the Baku Plaza shopping center. Footage of the arrest, which circulated online, shows a Mercedes-Benz G-Class—containing the elder Shikhlinsky—being surrounded by law enforcement officers. One officer is seen breaking a window, after which the car appears to reverse and run over a member of the security team. Mutvala was reportedly behind the wheel at the time. This act could be classified as violence against a government official under Article 318 of the Russian Criminal Code.

Al-Shara’s life is in danger

Israeli provocation among the Druze population has become a serious threat to Ahmed al-Shara. This week, the new Syrian government once again faced renewed unrest in the Druze-majority region. Since al-Shara came to power, clashes between nomadic Bedouin tribes and local armed groups in the southern Syrian city of Suwayda have left at least 37 people dead. This marks the most violent episode in the region since the April–May unrest earlier this year.

The Syrian Interior Ministry released an official statement confirming that over 30 people had been killed and nearly 100 injured. In response, security forces were deployed in coordination with the Ministry of Defense. According to the ministry, troops were sent to the conflict zone to "intervene directly, suppress the clashes, restore order, and bring the perpetrators to justice." Security forces have been stationed along the administrative border between Daraa and Suwayda governorates. Suwayda Governor Mustafa al-Bakur urged residents to "remain patient and heed calls for national reform." Several Druze religious leaders also appealed for calm and called on the central government in Damascus to take action. In light of the escalating violence, the Ministry of Education postponed the school graduation exams scheduled for July 14 in Suwayda indefinitely. However, reports suggest that a significant number of government troops were forced to withdraw from Suwayda. Images have since emerged on social media showing Druze residents raising Israeli flags atop buildings in the region.

Tensions between the Bedouins and Druze in Suwayda have a long and complicated history, occasionally erupting into open conflict. Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, new powers have taken control in Syria, but they have yet to fully stabilize the country. As a result, minority groups—particularly the Druze—are being influenced and incited by foreign actors, notably Israel, to turn against al-Shara’s leadership. The Druze are a distinct Arabic-speaking ethno-religious group living in Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan. With a population of around 700,000 in Syria, they are the country’s third-largest ethnic and religious minority, following the Kurds and Alawites. During the previous uprising in April–May, dozens were killed in clashes between Druze groups and government forces. In the aftermath, tribal elders and religious leaders signed agreements aimed at maintaining peace and integrating Druze communities into state institutions.

The current wave of violence appears to be driven by the same destabilizing forces. On July 16, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan commemorated the anniversary of the July 15 coup attempt in Ankara, Israeli forces launched an airstrike on Syria’s Army General Staff building in Damascus. The strike was broadcast live on Syrian state television. It coincided with the violent unrest in southern Syria, particularly in Suwayda. Israeli officials claimed the attack was carried out to “protect the Druze.” In addition to military targets, the airstrikes reportedly hit the residence of interim President Ahmed al-Shara. Later, Israel’s controversial National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly called for al-Shara’s assassination, declaring that there would be “no compromise” with him.

“The horrifying footage from Syria proves one truth: once a jihadist, always a jihadist. There can be no negotiation with those who kill, degrade, and rape. They must be eliminated. The head of the snake, al-Shara, must be eliminated too,” said Ben-Gvir.

Israel’s military campaign targeted a broad range of sites across southern Syria, including government buildings and residential areas. In response, many Syrians have rallied behind their government. Protests against Israel have taken place, with demonstrators waving Syria’s new national flag in support of al-Shara. The interim president has vowed to defend the Druze population and safeguard their rights as citizens. Prominent Druze figures have warned against falling for Israeli manipulation. Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt accused Israel of using the Druze community as pawns to inflame internal tensions.

“Israel is exploiting segments of the Druze population to foment chaos in Syria. They are not protecting anyone—they are using others to advance their own interests and threaten the stability of Arab nations. This time, they are using our people,” Jumblatt said.

Israel’s actions have sparked widespread condemnation internationally. The Turkish and Iranian foreign ministries, as well as the U.S. State Department, issued strong responses. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called for global unity against Israeli aggression. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio expressed deep concern over the attacks, noting that Washington is in continuous contact with both sides in an effort to de-escalate tensions.